random posts

Friday, 5 January 2018

The phrase “paid prioritisation” is as antithetical to the principles of net neutrality as it sounds, but once upon a time when corporations supported building independent infrastructure rather than parasitically profiting from it, communication companies helped out potential competition that came in the form of universities and municipalities establishing Free-Nets, dial-up, public-access bulletin boards and could expect a measure of reciprocity. Though some operations have since folded, many others remain, existing parallel to the world-wide web and have shifted their focus to community wireless movements and upholding the mission of fostering digital literacy. In times where the online world is weaponised and maddening and we’re trying (and failing) to look away, it’s refreshing to relive more hopeful, engaging moments of cyber history.